The burden of his terrible secret has painted a target on Chancellor Demos' back. The fires prepared for heretics are encroaching. But on the other end of the continent, Baron Aldor is doing everything he can to protect his friend from what they've done, risking his own fall from grace in the process. Artanna nar Toll, the mercenary commander, is possessed with a thirst for vengeance and prepared to do anything to get her home back. Ultimately, they're all dancing on the block. Each is fighting to survive, each making the unlikeliest of alliances to do so. But in the world of politics, trust is a luxury paid for in blood.